First, Binghamton held Maine, the top-scoring team in the America East, to just 58 points. BU followed that up by forcing 20 turnovers against New Hampshire.

The Bearcats are starting to see the fruits of their labor on the defensive end.

"In practice, we've just been focusing on it more, whether it be different drills, getting stops to get back on offense -- different stuff like that," said freshman guard Marlon Beck. "When it comes to game time, we're already prepared for those types of things whether it's defense or offense."

"We're playing harder, we're communicating better, and it's leading to better defensive performances and we're rebounding better," said head coach Tommy Dempsey. "Ironically, since we've gone to a smaller lineup, I think it's forced guys, because they're undersized, to play even harder. As a group, it's really benefiting us."